Winter Trekking in Nepal

8th Feb, 2021

Winter trekking in Nepal offers a unique experience, as there are several excellent trekking routes that can be enjoyed during this season. While most trekkers visit Nepal in the spring and autumn, winter trekking is a great option for those who are well-prepared and looking for a different adventure. Some recommended winter trekking routes are listed below.

Spring and autumn are the best trekking seasons in Nepal, but trekking is possible throughout the entire year. The winter season, which includes December, January, and February, is the coldest time of the year and is considered the off-season. However, winter trekking in Nepal is ideal for mountain photographers and adventure trekkers, as the mountains above 5,000 meters are covered in snow, creating stunning landscapes.

Many travelers hesitate to trek in Nepal during winter due to the extreme cold in the high-altitude regions. However, if you are planning a winter trek, there are many lower-altitude trekking routes available, along with special Christmas and New Year trekking options. Winter trekking in Nepal is an excellent choice for nature lovers seeking serene trails and breathtaking scenery

Winter Trekking Highlights in Nepal

• Best time for short treks at lower altitudes for beginners, such as the Everest View Trek, Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, and Langtang Valley Trek.
• Offers Spectacular Mountain views because the winter months bring clear skies and crisp air, allowing for breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Mountains like Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Langtang look even more magnificent against the clear blue backdrop from far distant viewpoints.
• Winter trekking is off-season, meaning the trails are quieter and less crowded. You'll experience the tranquility of nature without the usual bustle of other trekkers, making it a peaceful and reflective experience.
• The trekking trails, especially around 3,500 meters, can be covered in snow, transforming the landscape into a beautiful winter wonderland. The fresh snow offers unique views and creates a serene, pristine environment for all trekkers during short treks.
• With proper preparation, winter trekking offers a different kind of adventure compared to other seasons. It provides an opportunity for those seeking a more rugged and authentic Himalayan experience.
• For seasoned trekkers, winter trekking offers the chance to test endurance in harsh conditions, such as cold temperatures and snowy or icy trails. The challenge of trekking through these conditions adds to the sense of achievement and adventure.
• Winter trekking in Nepal is less crowded, allowing for deeper cultural exchanges with locals in villages. You might witness winter festivals and traditions, which can provide a unique cultural experience while trekking
• While some wildlife may hibernate during the winter months, you may still spot animals like the Himalayan tahr, monkeys, snow leopards, and blue sheep. The absence of thick vegetation and leaves in the winter allows for clearer views, and animals may come to lower altitudes for survival.

Recommended Winter Trekking Routes in Nepal

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek in Winter

• Why? The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a fantastic option for winter trekking. It’s a lower-altitude trek, meaning the cold is more manageable, and the views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare are spectacular in winter.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
• Duration: 4–5 days.

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is one of the best treks in Nepal. The Poon Hill is the name of the view point and it is situated at an altitude 3210 meters in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This trek is a popular classic trek throughout the year except monsoon. Autumn and spring are the best seasons but there will be snow around Poon Hill in winter. A major advantage of Poon Hill Trek is easy to reach there and offers very close-up views of the high mountains such as Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna and many others snow capped mountains. This Ghorepani Poon-Hill Trekking route during the winter months in December, January and February is a lot quieter compared with the busy season. The temperature around the Poon Hill area falls to a minimum -2 to -6 Degree Celsius and the maximum of 7 to 10 Degree Celsius.

The trekking trail complete of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek goes through different Magar and Gurung villages, beautiful farmland, green forest, crossing a wonderful suspension bridge. The main highlights of the trips are visiting the Poon Hill, Gurung Museum and interacting with the local community as well as observing the culture and lifestyle. So, this Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is the best winter trek in Nepal without any doubt.

Winter Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Highlights

• Popular Short Trek in Nepal throughout the year
• Easy trekking trail with best accommodations
• Perfect trekking destination for anyone
• Chance to touch the snow on the Poon Hill
• Christmas and New Year celebration during the trekking
• Moderate weather temperature during the walking
• Close views of snow peak Mountains Range from Poon Hill
• Explore the Gurung and Magar Settlements with their culture and lifestyle
• Beautiful Pokhara city for relaxing after/ before Trek
• Feel the real trekking

Everest View Trek in Winter

• Why? The Everest View Trek is still a great option for trekkers in winter. The cold is manageable, and with fewer crowds, it offers a peaceful trekking experience. Additionally, seeing Everest in winter is a unique and breathtaking experience
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.
• Duration: 8-10 days.

If you are looking for winter treks in Everest Region, the Everest View Trek is the best and popular trekking destination for all age groups because it is situated at lower altitude and half way to classic Everest Base Camp Trek. Everest Base Camp Trek is also possible to trek in the winter season but you will have previous trekking experience and take warm up trekking gears. That is why, this Everest view Trek designed by our experienced trekking guide and you can try this short trek in the Everest region during the winter season.
Everest View Trek is the best winter trek in Nepal, and it is self-explained in the title because you will see the best panoramic view of the Mt. Everest and others massif mountains during the journey. The routes include these Sherpa villages like Lukla, Phakding, Monju, Namche, Khum Jung and Teng Boche. These villages are beautiful and rich in Buddhist culture.

Winter Everest View Trek Highlights

• Scenic mountain flight to/from Lukla/ Kathmandu
• Trekking in the Everest Region
• Explore the Sagarmatha National park
• Panoramic view of the Massif Mountains including Mt. Everest
• Visit the Sherpa Village and experience the their culture and lifestyle
• Chance to see wildlife and birds
• Observe the colorful prayer flag, stupa and Mani wall

Helambu Village Trek in Winter

• Why? The Helambu Village Trek is an easy to moderate trek that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. While the weather can be cold, it remains manageable. Additionally, the trail is more accessible compared to higher-altitude treks.
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
• Duration: 7–10 days.

The Helambu Region is very close to Kathmandu and there is a popular trekking destination called Helambu Village Trek. Helambu Village Trek is a moderately low altitude short and easy trek and highest elevation is 3500 meters at Tharepati from the sea level. So, Helambu Village Trek is the best trekking in the winter season. The Helambu Village Trek through Shivapuri National Park and Langtang National Park with beautiful forest and wonderful local villages. The National Park is worthy of nature and culture such as wildlife, birds and green forest of Rhododendron, Oak, Bamboo Pine as well as mixed culture of Sherpa and Tamang societies. Beside nature and culture, you will observe the view of the majestic Jugal Himalayan Range and other mountains.

Winter Helambu Village Trek Highlights

• Short and easy trek to lower altitude
• Less chance to altitude sickness
• Enjoy the panoramic mountain views
• Explore the monasteries and see the local culture of Tamang and Sherpa people
• Chance to see wildlife and birds during the trekking
• Trekking through the forest and village
• Feel the real trekking in Nepal
• Best winter trekking destination for all age’s group

Langtang Valley Trek in Winter

• Why? The Langtang Valley Trek is a moderate trek that offers breathtaking views of Langtang Lirung and the surrounding mountains. While the weather can be cold, it remains manageable, and the trail is more accessible compared to higher-altitude treks.
• Difficulty: Moderate.
• Duration: 8–10 days.

Langtang Valley Trek is the third classic trekking destination other than Everest and Annapurna Trekking. It is located north from Kathmandu into the Langtang National Park and moderately short, easy, accessible, cheap and best for all trekkers. Langtang is the name of the village and mountains, and it offers you a magnificent view of the valley, glaciers and mountains including Langtang Lirung and many others snow peaks as well as opportunity to explore and interact with local peoples who are really friendly and warmly welcomed in nice accommodations. The Langtang National Park is famous for protecting wildlife, birds and trees such as Red Panda, White monkey (Langur), musk deer, snow leopard, Himalayan Thar as well as bird like pheasant, Tibetan snow cock and partridge. The lowest elevation is 1460 meters at Syabrubesi and highest elevation is 5000 meters at Tserko Ri. So, The Langtang Valley trek is the best trekking route in winter season and High Pass Adventure is always flexible to create an itinerary to require your time duration.

Winter Langtang Valley Trek Highlights

• One of the most famous and beautiful valley in Nepal
• Short and easily accessible trekking destination from Kathmandu
• Explore the Langtang National Park- worthy about Nature, culture and wildlife
• Observe the Various Flora Fauna
• Walking through beautiful forest and village
• Explore Langtang Village and see the friendly local people of their lifestyle
• Capture the Magnificent view of Mt. Langtang and other snow-peak mountains
• Chance to explore Buddhist culture and ancient Kyanjin Monasteries
• Green forest and beautiful Langtang River
• Climb to Kyanjin RI and Tserku RI for best view Point of Langtang Region

Challenges of Winter Trekking in Nepal

• Cold Weather: In winter trekking in Nepal, the biggest challenge is the cold, especially at higher altitudes above 3,500 meters. Nighttime temperatures can drop well below freezing, and snow and ice are common on the trails at these elevations.
• Snow & Ice: In winter trekking in Nepal, water can freeze, and snow and ice can lead to slippery trails, making trekking more difficult and dangerous, especially in higher areas.
• Limited Accommodation: In winter trekking in Nepal, some tea houses or lodges may close due to low demand, particularly in remote and higher-elevation trekking routes.
• Shorter Days: In winter trekking in Nepal, the days are shorter, so it’s important to start your trek early to make the most of the daylight hours. It’s also advisable to avoid trekking too late in the day due to the cold.
• Altitude Sickness: In winter trekking in Nepal, the cold weather can make acclimatization more challenging, so it’s important to follow a proper acclimatization schedule and not rush the trek. If you develop high altitude sickness, rescue operations can be difficult due to limited demand.

Preparation for Winter Trek in Nepal 

Winter treks in Nepal (from December to February) can be an incredible experience, offering snow-covered landscapes, fewer crowds, and a peaceful atmosphere. However, they also come with their own set of challenges, particularly the cold and unpredictable weather conditions. Therefore, proper preparation is essential, including physical preparation, gear and clothing preparation, and mental and emotional preparation to successfully complete your chosen trek, even at lower altitudes. Winter treks require specialized clothing and gear to handle the cold temperatures, snow, and wind.

Conclusion. 

Winter in Nepal typically runs from December to February, with temperatures dropping significantly, especially at higher elevations. It’s crucial to be prepared for cold weather, as temperatures can dip below freezing in the mornings and evenings. Before embarking on a winter trek, it’s important to carefully research your specific route, considering your experience and the time of year. Consult with local trekking agencies, experienced trekkers, or guides, and ensure you’re well-prepared with the right gear and clothing. Winter trekking in Nepal offers a unique, less crowded experience, but it comes with its own challenges that require thorough planning and preparation.